You are using an outdated browser version of the Internet Explorers.Please update your browser for ideal presentation of the website.

Clamping metal sheets with the KS FlexRoller for laser machining

Laser-friendly clamping is an important precondition for process-optimized joining of sheet-metal components. Here the KS FlexRoller exploits its particular strengths to the full: it ensures that thin sheets are clamped without a gap and that the focal length is kept constant.

Process-optimized clamping is particularly important in the case of thin sheets. For this special application, we have developed the KS FlexRoller, which ensures that the sheets are positioned next to each other without a gap. In this way, the required quality and strength of the weld are achieved. A sophisticated pneumatic system enables the pressing force of the KS FlexRoller to be freely programmed within a range from zero to 1,000 newtons. Integration of the welding optics into the pressure element means that the focal length, which is so important for laser welding, is kept constant. In addition to the basic version, KUKA also offers many configured solutions that can be used with laser technology.

KS FlexRoller: Facts and figures

Part thicknesses

> 3 mm

Pressing force

0 to 1000 N (freely programmable)

Weight

≈ 28 kg

Roller diameter

50 to 140 mm

Beam sources

Flexible (CO2 laser or solid-state laser)

Focal lengths

Flexibly configurable, depending on the specific task.

Advantages of the KS FlexRoller

Gap-free clamping

The KS FlexRoller was designed in such a way that the metal sheets are pressed together without a gap in the area to be welded. At the same time, the focal length is kept constant.

Special alloy of the pressure roller

The alloy makes the KS FlexRoller particularly resistant to wear and heat. It also ensures that weld spatter sticks less than conventional materials.

Virtually hysteresis-free process

The pressing force is generated by special pneumatic cylinders. The pressing motion, or compensation motion, thus has little lasting effect.

Sensitive pressing forces

Available additional modules

You wish to implement special requirements? Thanks to its open design, you are fully free to configure your KS FlexRoller as you require. With the function modules that can be integrated, it can be optimally incorporated into your process. Select the modules that match your task: